How to Force Delete Access Denied File or Folder in Windows XP

When a file or folder is unable to be deleted, the XP will warn you that the file or folder access is denied because it might be protected or still used by other application. Although you sure that this file or folder is no longer bounded with any application, some bad uninstall procedure or even spyware will keep the file or folder undeletable. You can force delete it, here is the method:

1. Specify the file or folder location, because later it will be deleted from command prompt.
2. Execute Run tool from the Start menu.
3. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Leave it be.
4. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del or typing taskmgr from Run tool.
5. Select the Processes tab.
6. Search for explorer.exe in the Image Name and click End Process. Your taskbar will be removed.
7. From this point, make sure that only these two applications (Task Manager and Command Prompt) are active in Windows XP to ease the deletion.
8. Press Alt + Tab to switch the active window to Command Prompt.
9. Now you can delete the file or folder from the Command Prompt. Delete a file using del file name command and rmdir folder name for folder.
10. After deleting the file or folder, press Alt + Tab again to switch to Task Manager.
11. Select File \ New Task (Run…).
12. Type explorer and press Enter. Your taskbar will be restored.